Save When the weather turns chilly, there is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This American classic brings together the earthy goodness of tender broccoli and carrots with the indulgent richness of sharp cheddar cheese. It is a hearty, vegetarian-friendly meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, yet it is surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen in under an hour.
Save This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to create complex flavors. By building a proper roux with butter and flour, you ensure a thick and satisfying base that carries the sweetness of the carrots and the savory depth of the garlic and onions.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 4 cups broccoli florets (chopped), 1 cup julienned or shredded carrots, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Dairy: 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Base & Liquid: 4 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Step 2
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 4
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Step 5
- Add the broccoli and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Step 6
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat gently; do not boil.
- Step 7
- Add the grated cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Step 8
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
- Step 9
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks if desired.
- Step 10
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best consistency, ensure you whisk the vegetable broth into the roux gradually. If you use an immersion blender, do so carefully to maintain the desired amount of vegetable chunks for texture. Remember to keep the heat low once the dairy is added to prevent the soup from curdling or scorching.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or use reduced-fat milk. If you want to experiment with flavor, try replacing half of the broccoli with cauliflower. For a spicy kick, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can be stirred in just before serving.
Serviervorschläge
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is best served piping hot in a rustic bowl. Pair it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a sourdough bread bowl for the ultimate dipping experience. For a beverage pairing, a crisp Chardonnay or a glass of chilled sparkling water complements the richness of the cheese perfectly.
Save With its vibrant colors and rich, cheesy aroma, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Simple to make and deeply satisfying, it proves that you don't need a lot of time to create a meal that tastes like it spent all day on the stove.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare up to three days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. The flavors often improve after resting overnight.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing works well before adding the final cream and cheese. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and finishing with dairy.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from separating?
Keep heat at low when adding cheese, and never let the soup boil after dairy is incorporated. Add cheese gradually, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the pot. Adjust cooking time slightly as frozen florets may need only 12-15 minutes to become tender.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or warm rolls are classic choices. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. For a complete meal, pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or savory scones.
- → How do I make this lighter?
Replace heavy cream with additional whole milk or use half-and-half. Reduce cheddar to 1.5 cups and increase broccoli. The soup remains satisfying while cutting calories and fat content significantly.